What is a Conservation Easement?
A legal contract between a landowner and a land conservancy that allows land to remain in private ownership but permanently protects the conservation values of the property. Each document follows a template that is tailored to the individual property. The conservation easement is permanent and is attached to the deed of the property in perpetuity. The land remains private, and the land conservancy will set up a time to visit, typically once a year, to ensure the restrictions in the easement are being followed.
To protect the conservation values of this high quality property, restrictions have been put into place through a conservation easement held by the Southwest Michigan Land Conservancy (SWMLC). SWMLC is a local nonprofit organization that works with people in the community to improve habitat, protect water quality, support biodiversity, connect people with nature, and help families conserve the land they love.
Websites for more information: www.swmlc.org
Restrictions:
- Subdivision is prohibited
- Commercial activities are limited
- Industrial activities are prohibited
- Subsurface mineral resources may be accessed through a non-develop lease
- Building additional structures –
- Perimeter fencing can be built with limitations
- Animal shelters can be non-permeant, temporary
- Water wells can be added as needed
- Hunting blinds and tree stands can be portable and non-permeant
- The area surrounding the home and barns is not restricted by the easement
- Cutting vegetation –
- Trees in designated areas can be harvested with a Forest Management Plan
- Open areas designated as Agriculture can be farmed or maintained as open space
- Ecological Restoration is allowed
This list may not be all encompassing, for additional information please reference the full conservation easement document.
This peaceful country escape is a once in a lifetime opportunity!
